Definition: And thou shalt say unto Pharaoh, Thus saith the LORD, Israel [is] my son, [even] my firstborn:

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Exodus 4:22. It's a really important and dramatic passage in the Bible that speaks about God’s plan for Israel. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: God is saying to Pharaoh, the leader of Egypt, that Israel is his son and firstborn. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “And thou shalt say unto Pharaoh…” : This tells us God is directly speaking to Pharaoh. “…Thus saith the LORD…” : This is a way of saying “God says this.” It emphasizes the divine nature of the message. “Israel is my son, even my firstborn:” This is the core part - it’s stating a very specific and significant truth. “Israel” : This refers to the Israelites – the people God promised to bless. “My son” : This means that God sees Israel as special, unique, and important. “Firstborn” : In ancient times, the firstborn child received a special status and was considered to be more valuable. It symbolized leadership and divine favor. What does this verse mean in context? This verse is often interpreted as a promise from God about Israel’s future. It's a foundational statement of God's love and plan for the nation. It speaks to: God's special relationship with Israel: He chose them and made them his children. Israel’s importance: It indicates that God is prioritizing Israel, and they are significant to him. A covenant (a promise): This verse establishes a promise of protection and blessing for the Israelites. Important Note: It's worth noting that this verse was part of a larger story – Pharaoh initially tries to hide the Israelites in Egypt, but God intervenes and delivers them through Moses. It’s a pivotal moment in history! --- Do you want me to: Explain another Bible verse? Go into more detail about a specific aspect of this verse (like its historical context)?